Stem and Hoods questions

[hilldweller]

Thanks for 'splaining! That was interesting.

Yep thanks from me too. Very helpful

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes that was an interesting explanation, and makes sense for this situation.

Of course I always think it's good to remember now and then that probably 90% or more of the world's active bicycle riders are neither leisure OR competitive riders- but are riding their bikes for basic transportation and for transporting things. Few of those people ride with their handlebars lower than their saddles- they ride mostly upright and they really lay on the miles on a daily basis. These are serious bike riders, not leisure riders (as most of us actually are). They would be bewildered and bemused by all our endless fussing about aerodynamics, knee position, CO2 cannisters, clipless shoes, aerobars, and carbon seatposts. I like thinking about this from time to time to put bike riding in perspective in my mind.

[jobob]

Yes, and some of them even put baskets on their handlebars

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, and some of them even put baskets on their handlebars

Yes, and they actually have ROOM to put baskets on them since their handlebars aren't 18" from the ground!

[lunacycles]

Of course I always think it's good to remember now and then that probably 90% or more of the world's active bicycle riders are neither leisure OR competitive riders- but are riding their bikes for basic transportation and for transporting things. Few of those people ride with their handlebars lower than their saddles- they ride mostly upright and they really lay on the miles on a daily basis. These are serious bike riders, not leisure riders (as most of us actually are).

Good point. It occurred to me later I should have asterisked the whole spiel with some reference to this referring to traditional roadie positions. Frankly, I think if people are happy with their positions and loving their bikes, regardless of what style of riding they do, then there is definitely nothing to "fix."

[GraysonKelly]

Good point. It occurred to me later I should have asterisked the whole spiel with some reference to this referring to traditional roadie positions. Frankly, I think if people are happy with their positions and loving their bikes, regardless of what style of riding they do, then there is definitely nothing to "fix."

Luna,
I appreciated all your advice on this. I knew that a lot of what I was going to get in the way of suggestions was going to be along the lines of the stuff you talked about. But it helps so much. I have read and reread all the posts, took out my bike and tried really hard to picture what you all were talking about. It helped a lot. I'm not an aggressive rider. I don't really like being in the drops...probably because I can't reach them comfortably. But I don't know what kind of rider I'll be until I get more comfortable and that really really helped that I could get all of your and other people's advice. I would say I'm a cross between a leisure/commuter/long-distance/stress relief/ because I love it rider. Not really sure there's a cookie cutter bike set up for that category...but I know from all of you that the bike needs to fit and feel good. The rest is up to me. And That's the part I really love about riding. So thank you and the rest of you for all your advice.
Have a great day!
Gray